30+ Tetras with Images and Quick Care Stats for Nano-to-Large Aquariums

Updated: March 23, 2025 - By: - Categories: Freshwater Fish

If you’ve peeked at a freshwater tank, chances are you’ve spotted a Tetra—they’re practically the poster kids of the aquarium world! Part of the Characidae family, these fish are small, friendly, and come in a rainbow of colors and shapes that’ll jazz up any setup. Most play nice with others, love swimming in schools, and don’t need a giant tank—though 20 gallons is a sweet spot to start. They’re tough little guys, but they vibe best in slightly acidic water. With over 30 types to explore, each has its own flair and quirks. Ready to find your perfect Tetra match for nano, medium, or large tanks? Let’s dive into this vibrant list!

Tetras for Nano Aquariums (5-15 Gallons)

Got a tiny tank? These Tetras thrive in setups under 20 gallons. More space is always a bonus for extra buddies, but if you’re tight on room, these pint-sized beauties prove you can still rock a stunning display.

1. Ember Tetra

ember-tetra

Ember Tetras are the tiny firecrackers of nano tanks—less than an inch of glowing orange-red that pops in a 5-gallon setup. Easy to care for and super chill, they school with other Tetras but get spooked by bigger fish. Dim lights and a jungle of plants keep them comfy and shaded—a perfect starter for small-space aquarists!

2. Ruby Tetra

ruby-tetra

Ruby Tetras are jewel-like wonders—tiny at under an inch with a ruby-red glow and a black tail spot. A 10-gallon tank suits them, but they need at least six pals to feel secure. Less hardy than some, they’re not total newbies’ fish—give them plenty of cover to dodge bigger tankmates, and they’ll shine for years!

3. Jelly Bean Tetra

Jelly Bean Tetras are candy-colored cuties—neon green with orange fin highlights, topping out at 1.25 inches. They love a species-only 10-gallon tank with their own kind, thriving in warm, acidic water under low light. Toss in some leaves for cover and extra tang, and watch these little sweets light up your setup!

4. Red Line Tetra

Red Line Tetras are sleek and simple—silver with a bold red stripe, accented by white, black, and a hint of yellow. At 1.2 inches, they’re a breeze in a 10-gallon tank, needing six or more buddies to school. They lean toward acidic water and plenty of hiding spots—don’t let faster fish steal their lunch, and they’ll thrive!

5. Flame Tetra

flame-tetras

Flame Tetras, aka Von Rio Tetras, are beginner classics—silvery with a fiery red fin splash, hitting 1 inch. Hardy and laid-back, they adapt to a range of conditions in a 15-gallon tank. School them with at least six others, and they’ll bring a warm glow to your nano world—no fuss, all charm!

6. Cardinal Tetra

Cardinal Tetras are the dazzling divas—iridescent blue tops and deep red bottoms, stretching to 1.4 inches. A 15-gallon tank suits their moderate needs, but they crave a school of six or more. They adore acidic water and regular cleanups to keep nitrates low—give them that, and they’ll strut their stuff for years!

7. Neon Tetra

Neon Tetras are the rockstars of freshwater fame—1.2 inches of electric blue and red that scream “look at me!” Easy and hardy, they fit a 10-gallon tank but need a school of 10+ and an established setup. Plants and open swim space keep them happy—just don’t slack on water changes, or these stars might dim!

8. Green Neon Tetra

Green Neon Tetras are Neon’s chill cousins—1 inch of blue-green shimmer in a 10-gallon tank. Easygoing, they need 8-10 pals and a peaceful crew—big or rowdy fish stress them out. Warm, acidic water keeps these delicate dazzlers glowing for their short, sweet two-to-three-year run.

9. Black Neon Tetra

Black Neon Tetras bring subtle flair—1.4 inches with a white-over-black “braid” on a chunky body. A 15-gallon tank suits them, especially with dark substrate and soft lighting to make them pop. Hardy and schooling (five or more), they’re an easy, stylish pick for nano setups.

10. Flag Tetra

Flag Tetras wave their colors—red, black, and gold stripes like a Belgian flag, hitting 1.4 inches. Ultra-peaceful, they fit a 15-gallon tank with 8-10 buddies. They’re crowd-pleasers who get along with everyone—simple care, big vibes!

11. Black Phantom Tetra

Black Phantom Tetras are sleek and blocky—1.4 inches of grey with long, flowing fins that males flaunt during mating or turf spats. A 15-gallon tank works, and they’re chill but need steady care—fins might tear but regrow. A cool, understated nano star!

12. Red Phantom Tetra

Red Phantom Tetras are Black Phantom’s bold kin—1.4 inches of rich red with similar finesse. They need a 15-gallon tank and pair nicely with their dark cousins for a striking duo. Moderate care keeps these peaceful beauties thriving for five years!

Tetras for Medium Aquariums (20-25 Gallons)

These Tetras step up in size, schooling needs, or quirks—think feistiness or specific vibes—that demand a bit more room. They’re still approachable but add a fun twist for aquarists ready to level up.

13. Rosy Tetra

Rosy Tetras blush with pale pink and red spots—1.6 inches of charm with fan-like fins on males. A 20-gallon tank suits their hardy, easygoing nature, and they glow brighter in acidic water. School them with 6-10 pals, and their round shape keeps tankmates at ease—a rosy delight!

14. Blue Tetra

Blue Tetras are lively blue streaks—2 inches of energy in a 20-gallon tank. Easy to care for but a tad feisty, they need space and cover to chill with other Tetras. Keep the crowd light to avoid tension, and they’ll bring a bold buzz to your setup!

15. Rainbow Tetra

Rainbow Tetras shimmer with iridescence—1.5 inches of color that demands a 25-gallon tank. Males can get scrappy with each other or lookalikes, so give them 6-10 pals and lots of décor. Not for newbies, but their dazzling dance is worth the extra space!

16. Pristella Tetra

Pristella Tetras are community champs—1.8 inches of subtle beauty in a 20-gallon tank. Tough and peaceful, they school with six or more and love hanging with other Tetras or dwarf cichlids. Slightly acidic water keeps them content—an easy win for a bustling tank!

17. Candy Cane Tetra

Candy Cane Tetras sweeten the deal—1.8 inches of pinkish flair often mistaken for Rosy Tetras. A 20-gallon tank with dense plants, driftwood, and six-plus pals suits them best. Peaceful and dark-loving, they’re a tasty treat for any medium setup!

18. Bloodfin Tetra

Bloodfin Tetras are bold—2.2 inches with blood-red fin tips on a bright body. Hardy in a 20-gallon tank, they school with 6-10 and usually play nice—except for nipping fancy fins like guppies’. Keep them with plainer pals, and they’ll shine without drama!

19. Emperor Tetra

Emperor Tetras rule with style—1.6 inches of black stripes, yellow tints, and purple hues in males. A 20-gallon tank fits their regal vibe, blending with corydoras or discus in a South American scene. Easy and striking, they’re royalty for any setup!

20. Rummy Nose Tetra

Rummy Nose Tetras are stunners—2 inches with a red nose and sleek stripes in a 20-gallon tank. They love blackwater vibes (think tannins), but they’ll adapt if you skip it. Peaceful and eye-catching, they’re a warm-water win for any aquarist!

21. Diamond Tetra

Diamond Tetras sparkle—males hit 2.4 inches with a glittery sheen in a 20-gallon tank. Easy breeders (watch for fry!), they love plant-packed community setups. Their size and shine make them a dazzling pick for medium tanks!

22. Black Skirt Tetra

Black Skirt Tetras flaunt dark patterns—2.4 inches of variety, from long fins to funky colors. A 20-gallon tank suits these hardy breeders, and hiding spots keep fry safe. A beginner’s dream with endless style options!

23. Head and Tail Light Tetra

head-and-tail-light-tetra

Head and Tail Light Tetras glow—1.8 inches with golden spots front and back. A 20-gallon tank gives these common, easy spawners room to shine. Hardy and social, they’re a timeless pick for any medium setup!

24. Serpae Tetra

Serpae Tetras sizzle—1.6 inches of red with black accents in a 20-gallon tank. Active and colorful, they nip long fins (sorry, angelfish!), so pair them with quick pals and lush plants. Soft, acidic water boosts their vibrance—a spicy addition!

25. Glowlight Tetra

Glowlight Tetras shine—1.6 inches with a red-orange stripe that gleams in a 20-gallon tank. Calm and hardy, they love hiding spots and acidic water. Pair them with similar Tetras, and they’ll light up your setup effortlessly!

26. Penguin Tetra

Penguin Tetras waddle in—1.4 inches with a silver belly and black stripe in a 20-gallon tank. Easy and community-friendly, they school with a few pals or other small Tetras. A cute, no-fuss choice for medium tanks!

27. Lemon Tetra

Lemon Tetras zest things up—1.6 inches of yellow with black-tipped fins and red eyes that signal health. A 20-gallon tank with dense plants and 8+ buddies keeps them happy. Easy and sunny, they’re a fresh twist for any setup!

Tetras for Large Aquariums (29+ Gallons)

These big players need space—either for size, aggression, or just to stretch out. Perfect for seasoned aquarists or anyone with a roomy tank craving a standout star.

28. Blind Cave Tetra

blind-cave-tetra

Blind Cave Tetras are quirky—3.5 inches of pale, eyeless wonder in a 29-gallon tank. No need for fancy lights, but nooks to hide in keep them safe with gentle tankmates. A unique, peaceful pick for a spacious setup!

29. Bleeding Heart Tetra

bleeding-heart-tetra

Bleeding Heart Tetras tug at the heart—2.4 inches with a silver-pink body and a red “heart” dot. A 30-gallon tank with 6-8 pals suits them, no plants needed. Easy and sweet, they’re a romantic touch for big tanks!

30. Buenos Aires Tetra

Buenos Aires Tetras are tough cookies—2.4 inches in a 30-gallon tank, adapting to almost any water. They might nip fins as they grow, so skip the long-finned crew. Spacious and hardy, they’re a flexible fit for big setups!

31. Red-Eye Tetra

red-eye-tetra

Red-Eye Tetras stare you down—2.8 inches with red eyes and a black tail bar in a 30-gallon tank. They chew plants and nip long fins, so keep them with sturdy pals in smaller shoals. Easy but edgy—a cool pick for plant-free zones!

32. Congo Tetra

Congo Tetras are showstoppers—males hit 3.2 inches with iridescent rainbows in a 55-gallon tank. Peaceful but big, they school with smaller Tetras in dense plantscapes. Acidic water keeps their colors popping—a majestic must-have!

33. Bucktooth Tetra

Bucktooth Tetras are the rebels—4 inches of scale-munching menace in a 40-gallon tank. Rare and aggressive, they’re for pros only, needing a species-only setup and constant feeding to avoid chaos. Monitor them closely—they’re wildcards with teeth!

Final Thoughts

From Ember’s nano glow to Bucktooth’s big-tank bite, Tetras offer something for every tank and skill level. Most are peaceful, colorful, and beginner-friendly, but some bring a challenge worth tackling. Before you snag these swimmers, remember: school them up (6+), aim for acidic water, and match their space to their size—nano to large. Dig into the details, and you’ll craft a thriving, eye-popping aquarium. Which Tetra’s calling your name?

Lucas is the passionate creator behind this website, dedicated to guiding aquarium enthusiasts in nurturing vibrant fish and building thriving tanks. With over 10 years of hands-on fishkeeping experience, Lucas combines practical expertise with a keen eye for the best aquarium equipment to help hobbyists of all levels succeed. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, their goal is to inspire and equip you with the knowledge and tools for a rewarding aquatic journey.

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